Driveshaft - Rear

Remove and replace the rear driveshaft assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from transmission and differential yokes.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Differential pinion yoke nut (if removing yoke) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear driveshaft assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind both front wheels.
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential housing or rear crossmember.
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails or manufacturer-specified lift points.
5. Verify vehicle stability by gently pushing before working underneath.
6. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Before removing any fasteners, use a paint marker or chalk to mark the relationship between the driveshaft and both yokes (transmission output shaft yoke and differential pinion yoke). Make clear, corresponding marks on both the driveshaft flanges and the mating yokes. This ensures the driveshaft is reinstalled in the exact same orientation to maintain factory balance and phasing.
2. 2

   Support the driveshaft
   Position a transmission jack or floor jack with a wood block under the center of the driveshaft to support its weight during removal. Raise the jack just enough to contact the driveshaft without lifting it. This prevents the driveshaft from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Remove rear U-joint strap bolts
   At the differential pinion yoke, locate the U-joint straps securing the rear universal joint. Remove the 4 U-joint strap bolts using a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and appropriate socket. Note that these straps hold the U-joint bearing caps in place. Support the driveshaft as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate rear U-joint from pinion yoke
   Carefully pull the driveshaft rearward to disengage the rear U-joint bearing caps from the differential pinion yoke. The bearing caps should slide out of the yoke ears. If necessary, use a pry bar to gently lever the driveshaft away from the yoke, being careful not to damage the U-joint seals or bearing caps. Lower the rear of the driveshaft slightly using the support jack.
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft flange bolts
   At the transmission output shaft, locate the circular flange connection. The Viper uses a companion flange-to-flange connection at the front. Remove the 4 bolts securing the driveshaft flange to the transmission output flange using a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and appropriate socket. You may need to rotate the driveshaft to access all bolts. Have an assistant apply the parking brake or place the transmission in gear to prevent rotation if needed.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower the driveshaft using the support jack while pulling it rearward to clear the transmission output flange. Guide the front of the driveshaft down and rearward, then slide the entire assembly out from under the vehicle. Be mindful of the exhaust system and surrounding components. The driveshaft is approximately 35-40 lbs and awkward to maneuver in the confined space.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   With the driveshaft removed, inspect both U-joints for wear, roughness, or play by attempting to move the bearing caps. Check the slip yoke (if equipped) for excessive wear or spline damage. Inspect the differential pinion yoke and transmission output flange for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Check U-joint strap bolts for thread damage. Replace any worn or damaged components before reinstallation.
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mating surfaces on the transmission output flange and differential pinion yoke. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker from bolt holes. Ensure all surfaces are clean and dry to ensure proper seating and torque values during reassembly.
9. 9

   Position driveshaft for installation
   Lift the driveshaft assembly into position under the vehicle using the support jack or with an assistant. Align the front driveshaft flange with the transmission output flange first, ensuring the alignment marks made during disassembly are properly matched. Install the front flange bolts finger-tight to hold the driveshaft in position.
10. 10

    Install front flange bolts
    With the driveshaft front flange aligned to the marks, tighten the 4 front flange bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Use a torque wrench to torque each bolt to 75.0 Nm (55.0 lb-ft). Rotate the driveshaft as needed to access all bolts.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install rear U-joint
    Raise the rear of the driveshaft and align the rear U-joint bearing caps with the differential pinion yoke ears, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Push the bearing caps into the yoke ears, ensuring they are fully seated. Position the U-joint straps over the bearing caps.
12. 12

    Install U-joint strap bolts
    Apply medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the 4 U-joint strap bolts. Install the bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern. Use a torque wrench to torque each bolt to 35.0 Nm (26.0 lb-ft). Ensure the U-joint bearing caps remain properly seated in the yoke ears during tightening.
    Torque spec

    U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Remove support and lower vehicle
    Remove the transmission jack or support from under the driveshaft. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and all alignment marks match. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands, then remove the jack stands and lower the jack completely. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is performed in reverse order of removal, following steps 9-13 above.
2. Critical: All alignment marks must match during installation to maintain driveshaft balance and phasing.
3. Apply medium-strength thread locker to U-joint strap bolts as specified.
4. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.

Verification

• Visually verify all alignment marks on driveshaft flanges and yokes are properly matched.
• Confirm all 4 front flange bolts and all 4 U-joint strap bolts are installed and torqued to specification.
• Rotate the driveshaft by hand (with transmission in neutral) to verify smooth rotation with no binding or interference.
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds up to highway speed, listening for any unusual vibrations, clunks, or noises from the driveline.
• If vibration is present after installation, recheck all alignment marks and fastener torque values.

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